ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSE OFFERINGS

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSE OFFERINGS
SY2022-2023

Arts Department
• Studio Art

English Department
• English Language and Composition
• English Literature and Composition

Mathematics Department
• Calculus
• Statistics

Science Department
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Physics I
• Physics II

Social Studies Department
• Human Geography
• Psychology
• United States Government and Politics
• United States History
• World History

World Languages Department
• Chinese
• Spanish

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS/CRITERIA

ARTS DEPARTMENT

STUDIO ART

Description: AP Studio Art Program combines AP Studio Art 2D and AP Studio Art Drawing. AP Studio Art 2D deals with two-dimensional applications such as graphic design, photography, weaving, collage, and any artwork that has a two-dimensional surface. AP Studio Art Drawing deals solely with drawing and painting focused on the elements of art and principles of design. The course culminates in the submission of a 25-29 piece portfolio to the Advanced Placement Central Board for grading. Credits gained by passing the portfolio exam with a score of 3 or higher are accepted by many colleges.

Criteria: Students who have at least ONE of the following skill sets:
• Students who successfully completed a 3-year sequence of: Creative Art, Painting and Drawing.
• Students who present a strong portfolio with 6-15 substantial artworks including:
o 3 observational drawings
o 2-3 portraits
o Several abstract, pop, graphic, or digital artwork
• Students with strong computer graphics application skills (i.e. Photoshop/Illustrator)

Course Requirements/Expectations:
1. Complete the summer assignment by the end of the first marking period.
2. Submit homework on time and revise it according to teacher’s feedback.
3. Complete the class work in a timely manner.
4. Students should have access to a digital camera/smart phone to digitize their artwork.
5. Upload all the assignments to GoogleDrive, share it with the teacher and maintain the files.
6. Students should prepare their artwork for school art exhibitions; measuring, trimming, mounting, and labeling.
7. Students must register for final AP Studio Art Exam and prepare portfolios to include: 5 Quality, 12 Concentration, and 12 Breadth pieces of college-level artwork.
8. Critiquing is an essential part to enhance student’s artistic talent. Therefore, it is expected students participate
during the critique.

All students must take the Advanced Placement Studio Art exam to earn AP credit.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

Description: The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods.
Criteria:
Honor Academy students given preference, however, non-Honor Academy students and transfer students who are recommended by teachers are considered after AP approval of writing portfolio, pending seat availability.
• Successful completion of pre-requisite courses:
o English 1 and 2 Honors
o English 3 and 4 Honors
• Teacher recommendation based on English grades, ability to work in cooperative groups, ability to work independently, motivation in this discipline, ability to synthesize, analyze and evaluate, ability to complete assignments and assigned readings on time.
Course Requirements/Expectations:
The AP English Language and Composition course is designed to help students become skilled readers and writers through engagement with the following course requirements/expectations:
• Composing in several forms (e.g., narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative essays) about a variety of subjects.
• Writing that proceeds through several stages or drafts, with revision aided by teacher and peers.
• Writing informally (e.g. imitation exercises, journal keeping, collaborative writing), which helps students become aware of themselves as writers and the techniques employed by other writers.
• Writing expository, analytical, and argumentative compositions based on reading representing a variety of prose styles and genres.
• Reading nonfiction (e.g., essays, journalism, science writing, autobiographies, criticism) selected to give students opportunities to identify and explain an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques.
• Analyzing graphics and visual images both in relation to written texts and as alternative forms of text themselves.
• Developing research skills and the ability to evaluate, use, and cite primary and secondary sources.
• Conducting research and writing argument papers in which students present an argument of their own that includes the analysis and synthesis of ideas from an array of sources.
• Citing sources using a recognized editorial style (e.g., Modern Language Association).
• Revision written work to develop:
 A wide-ranging vocabulary used appropriately and effectively;
 A variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of subordination and coordination;
 Logical organization, enhanced by techniques such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis;
 A balance of generalization and specific, illustrative detail; and
 An effective use of rhetoric, including tone, voice, diction, and sentence structure.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Language and Composition exam to earn AP credit.

Assessments: ELA Regents Exam (January) and Advanced Placement Exam (May).
Required Summer Reading texts and double entry journal includes, but is not limited to:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Haddon)
The Bluest Eye (Morrison)

Description: The AP English Literature and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level literary analysis course. The course engages students in the close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.

Criteria:
Honor Academy students given preference, however, non-Honor Academy students and transfer students who are recommended by teachers are considered after AP approval of writing portfolio, pending seat availability.
• Successful completion of pre-requisite course:
 English 1 and 2 Honors
 English 3 and 4 Honors
 English 5 and 6 Honors or Advanced Placement English 5 and 6
• Teacher recommendation based on English grades and ELA Regents scores, ability to work in cooperative groups, ability to work independently, motivation in this discipline, ability to synthesize and analyze and evaluate, ability to complete assignments and assigned readings on time.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
The course is designed to help students become skilled readers and writers through engagement with the following course requirements/expectations:
• Reading complex imaginative literature (fiction, drama, and poetry) appropriate for college-level study.
• Writing an interpretation of a piece of literature that is based on a careful observation of textual details, considering the work’s structure, style, and themes; the social and historical values it reflects and embodies; and such elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.
• Composing written work in several forms (e.g., narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative essays) based on students’ analyses of literary texts.
• Writing that proceeds through several stages or drafts with revision aided by teacher and peers.
• Writing informally (e.g., response journals, textual annotations, collaborative writing), which helps students better understand the texts they are reading.
• Revision written work to develop:
 A wide-ranging vocabulary used appropriately and effectively;
 A variety of sentence structures, including appropriate use of subordination and coordination;
 Logical organization, enhanced by techniques such as repetition, transitions, and emphasis;
 A balance of generalization and specific, illustrative detail; and
 An effective use of rhetoric, including tone, voice, diction, and sentence structure.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition exam to earn AP credit.

Required Summer Reading and Writing Assignment:
How to Read Literature Like a Professor (Foster)
Frankenstein (Shelley)

Texts include (but are not limited to):
Oedipus the King, Antigone and Medea (Sophocles)
Othello (Shakespeare)

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

CALCULUS

Description: Students in AP Calculus receive a double-period of instruction in AB and BC Calculus throughout the year. The AB Calculus instruction covers a semester of college calculus. The BC Calculus instruction covers a full year of college calculus. Credits gained by passing the Advanced Placement exam with a score of 3 or higher are accepted by many colleges.

Criteria: The AP Calculus course is for 12th grade students only. In order to take AP Calculus, 12th grade students must demonstrate a commitment to the study of higher level mathematics and the ability to manage the demanding course load. In order to be approved by the Assistant Principal of Mathematics for placement in the course students must:
• Successfully complete a year of Pre-Calculus AND receive the recommendation of the Pre-Calculus teacher.
OR
• Successfully complete a year of Algebra II AND receive the recommendation of their Algebra II teacher AND demonstrate mastery through the score of 90 or higher on the Common Core Algebra II Regents exam.

In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked based on achievement in previous mathematics courses and Regents exams.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• Regular attendance and promptness are essential for success in the course. (A valid excuse, note from a parent or doctor, is required immediately after returning from any absence).
• Homework is essential to success in the course. Students must keep a record of homework in their notebooks and complete assignments daily.
• Students must come to class prepared with a graphing calculator (recommended TI – 84).
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Calculus exam to earn AP credit.

STATISTICS

Description: The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics. The course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding.

Criteria: AP Statistics requires proficiency in Advanced Algebra (Algebra 2) and strong writing/analytical skills. Algebra 2 course and regents exam grades will be reviewed during the approval process. Students who prefer deeply conceptual mathematical analysis to rigorous technical work will likely enjoy and thrive in AP Statistics. Considerations for approval by the Assistant Principal of Mathematics for enrollment in the course include:
• Successfully complete a year of Algebra 2 or higher AND demonstrate college readiness in concepts tested on the Algebra 2 Regents exam.
• Meet the minimum score for college readiness on the English Language Arts Regents exam.
• Receive the recommendation of Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus teacher.

In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked based on achievement in previous mathematics courses and Regents exams.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• Regular attendance and promptness are essential for success in the course. (A valid excuse is note from a parent or doctor is required immediately after returning from any absence.)
• Homework is essential to success in the course. Students must keep a record of homework in their notebooks and complete assignments daily.
• Students must come to class prepared with a graphing calculator (recommended TI – 84).
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Statistics exam to earn AP credit.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

BIOLOGY

Description: An introductory college-level Biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular process – energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology and interactions. Credits gained by passing the Advanced Placement exam with a score of 3 or higher are accepted by many colleges.

Criteria: Students pursuing a career in Medicine should consider this course. In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked and the top science/math students will be registered. Prerequisites include:
• A junior or senior in good standing with an overall GPA of at least 85;
• Passed Living Environment and Chemistry Regents with at least an 80;
• Must simultaneously be in or have completed Physics and Algebra II with a minimum average of 85 in both Math and Science.

In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked based on achievement in previous mathematics courses and Regents exams.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• Commit to having a double period class
• Keep up to date with the required reading and assignments from the textbook and all classwork
• Be proficient with laboratory skills to perform extensive laboratory exercises
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Biology exam to earn AP credit.

CHEMISTRY

Description: Provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced course work in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Credits gained by passing the Advanced Placement exam with a score of 3 or higher are accepted by many colleges.

Criteria: Students pursuing a career in Pharmaceutical Studies should consider this course. In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked and the top science/math students will be registered. Prerequisites include:
• A junior or senior in good standing with at least a GPA of 85;
• Passed Living Environment and Chemistry with at least an 85;
• Passed Living Environment and Chemistry Regents with at least an 80;
• Must simultaneously be in or have completed Physics and Algebra II with a minimum average of 85 in both Math and Science.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Description: The equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the inter-relationships of the natural world. The course requires students to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or presenting them. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

Criteria: Students pursuing a career in Environmental Science should be registered for this course. In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked and the top 34 will be registered if there is one section or the top 68 registered if there are two sections. Prerequisites include:
• A junior or senior in good standing with a GPA of at least an 80;
• Completed Living Environment and Chemistry and/or Earth Science with an 80 average;
• Passed the Living Environment Regents with at least an 80;
• Passed the Chemistry or Earth Science Regents with at least an 80;
• Due to quantitative analysis required in the course, students should also have taken at least one year of Algebra with an 80 average and passed the Regents with at least an 80;
• Students should have taken or be concurrently taking Geometry or Algebra II and Trigonometry or an equivalent course.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• Commit to a double period class
• Keep up to date with the required readings from the textbook.
• Be proficient with laboratory skills to perform extensive laboratory exercises in the laboratory and around school grounds.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science exam to earn AP credit.

PHYSICS I

Description: An introductory algebra-based college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion), work, energy, and power, mechanical waves and sound, and introductory simple circuits.

Criteria: Students pursuing a career in Mechanical Engineering should be registered for this course. In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked and the top 34 will be registered if there is one section or the top 68 registered if there are two sections. Prerequisites include:
• A senior in good standing with at least a GPA of 85;
• Passed Living Environment, Chemistry, and Physics at least an 85;
• Passed Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II and Trigonometry with an 85;
• Passed the Living Environment, Chemistry and Physics Regents with at least an 80;
• Passed the Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II and Trigonometry Regents with at least an 80;
• Student should have taken or be concurrently taking Pre-Calculus or an equivalent course.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• Commit to having a double period class.
• Keep up to date with the required reading from the textbook.
• Be proficient with laboratory skills to perform extensive laboratory exercises.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Physics exam to earn AP credit.

PHYSICS II

Description: An introductory college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and quantum, atomic and nuclear physics.

Criteria: Students considering a major in Pre-Med or Life Science should be registered for this course. In the event there are more students than available seats, students will be ranked and the top 34 will be registered if there is one section or the top 68 registered if there are two sections. Prerequisites include:
• A senior in good standing with at least a GPA of 85;
• Passed Living Environment, Chemistry, and Physics at least an 85;
• Passed Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II and Trigonometry with an 85;
• Passed the Living Environment, Chemistry and Physics Regents with at least an 80;
• Passed the Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II and Trigonometry Regents with at least an 80;
• Student should have taken or be concurrently taking Pre-Calculus or an equivalent course.

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Description: The AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. The course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012).

Criteria: Students should be able to read a college-level textbook and write grammatically correct, complete sentences.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to • Interpret maps and analyze geospatial data; • Understand and explain the implications of associations and networks among phenomena in places; • Recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and processes at different scales of analysis; • Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process; and • Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places. The AP Human Geography course is organized around seven major topics: • Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives • Population and Migration • Cultural Patterns and Processes • Political Organization of Space • Agriculture, Food Production, and Rural Land Use • Industrialization and Economic Development • Cities and Urban Land Use
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Human Geography exam to earn AP credit.

PSYCHOLOGY

Description: The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

Criteria: There are no prerequisites for AP Psychology. Students should be able to read a college-level textbook and write grammatically correct, complete sentences.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• The AP Psychology course includes the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes represented by the following topics: • History and Approaches • Research Methods • Biological Bases of Behavior • Sensation and Perception • States of Consciousness • Learning • Cognition • Motivation and Emotion • Developmental Psychology • Personality • Testing and Individual Differences • Abnormal Behavior • Treatment of Abnormal Behavior • Social Psychology
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam to earn AP credit.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Description: Students study general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and analyze specific topics, including: • Constitutional Underpinnings; • Political Beliefs and Behaviors; • Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media; • Institutions of National Government; • Public Policy; and • Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. An integral part of the course includes analysis and interpretation of basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics, and the development of connections and application of relevant theories and concepts.

Criteria: Students must successfully complete Global History 1-4 and U.S. History 1-2 and score an 85+ on the Global History and U.S. History Regents to be eligible for consideration.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• Students successfully completing this course will: • Describe and compare important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics. • Explain typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures). • Interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats).
• Critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics exam to earn AP credit

UNITED STATES HISTORY

Description: The AP U.S. History course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contexualizing, crafting historical arguments using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narrative) and the development of students’ abilities to think conceptually about U.S. history from approximately 1491 to the present. Seven themes of equal importance – American and National Identity; Migration and Settlement; Politics and Power; Work, Exchange, and Technology; America in the World; Geography and the Environment; and Culture and Society – provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places. The course also allows teachers flexibility across nine different periods of U.S. history to teach topics of their choice in depth.

Criteria: Students must successfully complete Global History 1-4 with an 85+ score on the Global Regents exam to be eligible for consideration.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• This course is structured around themes and concepts in nine different chronological periods from approximately 1491 to the present: • Period 1: 1491–1607 • Period 2: 1607–1754 • Period 3: 1754–1800 • Period 4: 1800–1848 • Period 5: 1844–1877 • Period 6: 1865–1898 • Period 7: 1890–1945 • Period 8: 1945–1980 • Period 9: 1980–Present Within each period, key concepts organize and prioritize historical developments. Themes allow students to make connections and identify patterns and trends over time.
• Historical Thinking Skills. The historical thinking skills provide opportunities for students to learn to think like historians, most notably to analyze evidence about the past and to create persuasive historical arguments. Focusing on these practices enables teachers to create learning opportunities for students that emphasize the conceptual and interpretive nature of history.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement United States History exam to be earn AP credit.

WORLD HISTORY

Description: The AP World History course focuses on developing students’ understanding of the world history from approximately 8000 BCE to the present. This college-level course has students investigate the content of world history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in six historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides five themes (interaction between humans and the environment; development and interaction of cultures; state building, expansion, and conflict; creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems; development and transformation of social structures) that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places encompassing the five major geographical regions of the globe: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Criteria: Students must successfully complete Global History 1-2 to be eligible for consideration.

Course Requirements/Expectations:
• The AP World History course is structured around themes and concepts in six different chronological periods from approximately 8000 BCE to the present: • Technological and Environmental Transformations (to c. 600 BCE) • Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies (c. 600 BCE to c 600 CE) • Regional and Transregional Interactions (c. 600 CE to c. 1450) • Global Interactions (c. 1450 to c 1750) • Industrialization and Global Integration (c. 1750 to c. 1900) • Accelerating Global Change and Realignments (c. 1900 to the Present). Within each period, key concepts organization and prioritize historical developments. Within each period, key concepts organize and prioritize historical developments. Themes allow students to make connections and identify patterns and trends over time.
• Historical Thinking Skills. The historical thinking skills provide opportunities for students to learn to think like historians, most notably to analyze evidence about the past and to create persuasive historical arguments. Focusing on these practices enables teachers to create learning opportunities for students that emphasize the conceptual and interpretive nature of history.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement World History exam to earn AP credit.

WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

CHINESE/SPANISH

Description: Students in AP Chinese and AP Spanish receive a single period of instruction in advanced language, culture and literature. Credits gained by passing the Advanced Placement exam with a score of 3 or higher are accepted by many colleges.

Criteria:
The AP Chinese and Spanish classes are for students who have completed all three levels of language and have taken and passed the LOTE exam. In order to take AP Chinese or Spanish, students must demonstrate a commitment to the study of higher level language and culture and demonstrate the ability to manage the demands of the course. In order to be approved by the Assistant Principal for placement in the course students must:
• Successfully complete six credits of LOTE
• Receive the recommendation of their LOTE teacher
• Demonstrate mastery through the score of 90 or higher in LOTE coursework and on the corresponding LOTE exam.
Course Requirements/Expectations:
• In these courses, students will use authentic Chinese/Spanish materials and sources to develop language skills in multiple modes of communication, including two-way interactions in both writing and speaking; interpretation of audio, audiovisual, and print materials; and oral and written presentation of information and ideas.
• Students are expected to:
 Engage in spoken interpersonal communication;
 Engage in written interpersonal communication;
 Comprehend information from a variety of audio, visual, and audiovisual resources;
 Plan, product, and present spoken presentational communications, and
 Plan and produce written communications.
• All students must take the Advanced Placement Chinese or the Advanced Placement Spanish exam to earn
AP credit.